They may not be famed as the Fair City’s most comfortable perches, but demand for seating from the historic St John’s Kirk is nevertheless likely to be high after plans for a clearance sale were announced.
New seating was close to the top of the agenda when proposals for an ambitious £2.8 million facelift of the church were drawn up and as a result some 400 heavy wooden chairs are up for grabs.
Those behind the sale insist the rather utilitarian seats are “loved as much as they are hated” and said they would be sold off for a minimum donation of £10 each. Proceeds will go toward the Vision For The Future project.
“New seating, along with heating and lighting, was high on the list of improvements in the project,” a spokesman said. “While a few are being kept, nearly 400 of the existing seats require a home.”
The spokesman continued “At just under 100 years old the heavy wooden chairs with a woven rattan seat are no longer practical for future use in the kirk.
“In 1926 they replaced the fixed pews at the time of the restoration of the kirk by Sir Robert Lorimer. Loved as much as they are hated, the seats are being offered to any who may wish a lasting memento of the kirk.
“They are available for a minimum donation of £10 per chair, the proceeds of which will go towards the project.
“While there are plenty of seats available, priority is being given to members of the congregation.”
Anyone hoping to view the chairs and place a reservation can visit the kirk any time between 10am and 4pm daily. Alternatively they can contact Roddy Young on 07845 740784.
Launched in 2004, the Vision For The Future project will ultimately see St John’s Kirk a prominent Fair City feature for some 800 years made more accessible and suitable for arts, culture and heritage events.
Work is expected to begin soon.